Key changes to the research timeline

One of the biggest changes for 2027 is the move away from publishing rankings by practice area at different points in the year. Instead, all rankings, lawyer ratings and editorial reviews for each region will now be published together.

This means firms will be able to see their full regional results at the same time, rather than waiting for separate Patent, Trademark and General IP releases.

How does IP STARS conduct its research?

IP STARS has been researching and ranking IP firms since 1990 and now covers more than 80 jurisdictions.

Its research draws on several key sources:

• Firm submissions – providing information on the practice, team and recent work.
• Peer interviews – giving researchers insight into firms and practitioners across the market.
• Client feedback – offering a client perspective on firms and individual lawyers.
• Industry surveys and independent research – providing additional market context.

During the Q&A, IP STARS confirmed that no single research pillar carries greater weight. Submissions, peer feedback and client feedback are all considered important, with researchers using these different perspectives collectively to build consensus.

Consistency also matters. Researchers look at a firm’s track record and participation over multiple research cycles rather than making decisions based on a single year.

Moving up the rankings

For firms looking to move up the rankings, IP STARS stressed the importance of consistent participation and detailed submissions that clearly demonstrate the full strengths of the practice.

Changes at the top of the rankings are approached particularly carefully. Researchers want sufficient evidence across submissions, peer feedback and client feedback before making a significant change.

Individual lawyer rankings

Individual lawyers can come onto the researchers’ radar through all aspects of the research process. Firms can support individual ranking consideration by clearly highlighting lawyers’ involvement in significant matters within the submission, while peer interviews and client feedback also play an important role.

Key developments for 2027

IP STARS has introduced a new website, bringing its editorial content and rankings together in one place and updating the presentation of its ranking tables.

There are also several important changes to this year’s submission form.

New firm profile and statistics section

Section 1F now asks firms for additional information about the practice, including headcount, revenue and growth strategy.

IP STARS confirmed that these fields are not mandatory and leaving them blank will not make a firm ineligible for rankings or awards. The information is intended to help researchers build a broader picture of the IP market and the structure of participating firms.

Changes to practice areas

Trade Secrets now has its own dedicated case-study section.

The separate sections for Domain Names and IP Tax have been removed, but this work can still be included where relevant. Domain name work can be covered under Trademark, while IP tax-related work may be included within relevant transactional matters.

AI and innovation

The form also includes new questions about firms’ use of AI, with the focus primarily on how AI is being used internally within the practice.

IP STARS indicated that this information could potentially contribute to future recognition around innovation and technology.

Submitting through the platform

Submissions must be made through the online submission platform and will not be accepted by email.

The platform allows firms to access their submission history across IP STARS and its sister brands and organise submissions by jurisdiction, brand and practice area.

Interviews

Research interviews provide an opportunity for firms to discuss the market and their peers with the IP STARS research team.

Typically, firms are offered one or two interviews, lasting around 30–60 minutes. These discussions are conducted off the record and form part of the wider peer-review process.

Key dates

• Submissions opened: 1 September 2026
• Submission deadline: 2 November 2026
• Market surveys: Expected to launch by December
• Research interviews: October 2026–January 2027
• Results publication: Expected to begin from May 2027

The important change for 2027 is that results will now be published together by region, rather than practice areas being released separately across different months.

Final thoughts

The 2027 cycle reflects a broader effort by IP STARS to streamline both the submission and publication process while maintaining a research methodology based on multiple perspectives.

For firms, the key message is clear: consistent participation, a thorough submission and strong engagement from peers and clients all contribute to building the evidence researchers use when making ranking decisions.

The post IP STARS Rankings and Managing IP Awards 2027 appeared first on Tier One Rankings.

Standout Case Studies and Achievements of 2024

One of the key focal points of the submission process is the importance of highlighting a firm’s achievements in 2024. It’s crucial to clearly indicate the timing of a matter, as the assessment process gives significant weight to the date of the work. This is especially important as the submission form remains the primary tool for both the rankings and awards process. This dual function means that attention to detail in completing the form is critical to ensure your firm’s best work is recognized in both contexts.

Partner Interviews

The Legal Benchmarking Group continues to value interviews with partners to supplement the written submissions. Their preference is to interview at least two partners per firm, allowing for a more comprehensive understanding of a firm’s achievements. If a firm is approached by an IP Stars researcher for an interview, it is crucial to arrange for multiple lawyers to participate in the discussion to provide a well-rounded perspective.

What’s New this Year?

A few new elements have been introduced for the 2025 submission process:

– Addition of the Firm’s URL: On the first page of the submission, there is now a section to add the firm’s URL for their website.

– Your New IP Stars Section: This is where firms can recommend senior IP practitioners who are not already ranked. This is a chance to elevate deserving professionals for consideration in the next edition.

– Diversity and Inclusion Reporting: There has been a change in how the Legal Benchmarking Group collects diversity data. A new Social Impact Awards category is being introduced, giving firms recognition for their contributions to diversity, inclusion, and broader societal impacts.

– Referee Spreadsheets: While last year they introduced two separate spreadsheets for referees, one for companies and one for firms, there is now just one. However, firms must still clearly identify the type of referee (in-house practitioner/ direct client or another law firm) to guide the research team’s questions effectively.

Best Practices for Submitting Matters

A final key piece of advice focused on the submission of matters: it’s recommended to submit at least 10 to 15 cases. Submitting fewer than 10 may not provide a comprehensive overview of your firm’s work, making it harder for the researchers to accurately evaluate your firm’s standing.

As highlighted in the webinar, most of the information from last year’s session remains highly relevant and can serve as a helpful reference for addressing further questions. For a detailed review of last year’s insights, please refer to the following link: https://tieronerankings.com/key-updates-for-you-from-the-recent-ip-stars-webinar/

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